43.
VirtuocitySecret VisionsPower Metal
Released by Spinefarm/King Records 2002
1 Eye For An Eye 4:25
2 Rise & Rule 4:23
3 Pharaoh's Dream 5:01
4 Crucified 5:30
5 Speed Of Light 4:36
6 No Destination 5:23
7 Without You 4:39
8 Tears Of Babylo 5:19
9 Raging Destiny 7:55
10 Secret Visions 6:17
Japan Bonus Tracks11 New Empire 6:11
12 Ruins Of Love 5:11
13 Time Passing By 4:55
Band line up
Drums – Jaska Raatikainen
Guitar, Bass – Jaron Sebastian Raven
Keyboards – Janne Tolsa
Vocals – Peter James Goodman
Virtuocity was what we used to call a 'super group' from Finland with the Children of Bodom drummer Tarot keyboardist and Kenziner guitarist.
Add to that the golden voice of Peter James Goodman, plus Marco Hietala on guest lead and backing vocals.
Yet this album is pretty much unknown to even the most hardcore power metal fan.
Despite all the 'big' names on this release, it works, with the power of well written songs and great performances from everyone involved.
Add to this the album sounds great, the production, mix and mastering from Anssi Kippo, Karmila and Jussila all nothing short of spectacular.
White I cannot find out any information on how this 'project' came together, the results have stood the test of time.
This album stands tall with any release from that era, I'd refer to this as a 'cult classic'.
Although Marco Hietala is only credited for lead vocals on two songs, I can pick his voice on a number of other songs, his voice as we all know is quite distinctive.
That's not to say that it takes away anything from Peter James Goodman, as he has a very powerful voice and again relatively unknown outside of Finland.
To be honest I haven't listened to this release for a few years, while looking at Discogs I discovered a Japan version with three exclusive bonus tracks.
Of course I had to track down a copy, I scored a almost mint condition used copy, btw all Japan sellers seem to keep their CD's in near perfect condition.
So the music while very power metal, there is also a number of different flavours here to enhance core sounds of fast guitars and double bass drums.
The guitars of Raven (also known as Jarno Keskinen) are very tastefully done, while he is renown as a shredder, he knows when it's required and when to hold back.
The music varies between the fast and furious standard power metal anthems (Eye For An Eye) to the symphonic fury of 'No Destination', to the handful of neo-classical influences songs.
There's even a quite restrained instrumental title track that threatens to be a shred fest, but just manages to keep itself in check.
Virtuocity would go on to record a second album in 'Northern Twilight Symphony', but that release does not hold a candle to this.
That was it, nothing was ever heard of this excellent band again.
Once again I picked an album that is not on Spotify (Australia) and is out of print.
Cheap copies are available on Discogs and Ebay and any self respecting power metal fan should have this in their collection!
Not surprisingly I couldn't find anything official on You Tube, but the album is there in full to check out.